Memorial unveiled to WW2 bomber crash victims

BBC / Naj Modak Mayor, pupils, former pupil and survivor with the memorial stone, which has floral tributes in front of itBBC / Naj Modak
Former pupil Joan Haslam (centre) was among those at the unveiling ceremony

A memorial stone has been unveiled to commemorate the crew of a Halifax bomber killed when their plane crashed during World War Two.

Seven men died when the aircraft smashed into a bungalow close to Applegarth Primary School, in Northallerton, on 2 December 1943.

On Monday, school children and dignitaries were joined by residents to dedicate the memorial.

Joan Haslam, who was a pupil at the school at the time of the crash, said the accident had been “a very traumatic experience” for her and her classmates.

BBC / Naj Modak A pupil from Applegarth Primary School sets a cross in the ground in front of he memorial stoneBBC / Naj Modak
Pupils past and present were joined by local dignitaries and residents at the event

The aircraft had taken off from a nearby RAF base carrying both British and Canadian airmen when it crashed during a training exercise.

Ms Haslam said she had tried blocking the accident out for a long time, but coming back and “talking it over” really helped her.

The 86-year-old said the memorial stone was “a wonderful idea", saying it was "so important to remember those young men and what they gave".

Lynne Cross, from Applegarth Primary said: “It’s something that is really integral to the history of our school.

“There were children in lessons and there was a loud roar and then it crashed, just behind where our school field is now.

“It is part of our history curriculum that we commemorate these really brave airman and see it as part of the history of all the children who are currently Applegarth pupils.”

Pupils Lexi and Jude, both nine, were among the pupils to attend the unveiling.

Lexi said: “My dad goes away quite a lot [with the RAF] and these people that were in the plane actually risked their lives to try and save us."

Jude said: “It means a lot to me, because loads of people risked their lives just for us and it was a very special event for everyone.”

Phil Eames, Mayor of Northallerton said: “It’s been a fantastic collaboration between the RAF the Town Council, Applegarth School, local historians and many other people, and it’s just great that it’s come together today.”

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